Rates & Dates:
Trip Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Prices from: $5,350 pp/do*
Single Price: $7,435 pp
2013 Dates: June 15, 22, 29 July 6, 13, 20, 27 Aug 3, 10, 17
Ships: American Spirit
Notes: All shore excursions included in cruise fare. Port charges $250.00 pp.
*Per Person/Double Occupancy. Special Single Rates apply where listed.
Cruise Into History
Along Alaska’s coastlines and rivers, tribal nations have lived, hunted, and fished for centuries. Totem poles, which were once a common sight in Southeast Alaska, can still be seen today. In Ketchikan, wander through the world’s largest collection of this indigenous art at the Saxman Native Village Totem Park.
European explorers like George Vancouver, James Cook, and the Russian seaman ,Vitus Bering, explored Alaskan waters in the late 18th century. In Sitka, with its onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral and renowned Russian dancers, discover the color and history of Alaska’s czarist past. In charming Petersburg, sample Norwegian pastries or enjoy a performance by Norwegian Folk Dancers in this vibrant fishing community settled by Norwegian fisherman more than a century ago. The big rush came in 1898, when ninety thousand settlers showed up with picks, axes, and dreams of striking it rich. In Skagway, visit the Klondike National Historical Park for authentic gold rush flavor or board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to see the rugged country challenged by the Klondike Stampeders.
As you cruise through the same waters once traversed by these early explorers and fortune seekers, you will experience sights and sounds that are as enticing today as they were to these brave explorers. Our knowledgeable guides, with their tales of early life in Alaska, will transport you back to a time when the unknown was around every bend in the river.
Unparalleled Nature
Whales, sea lions, porpoises and sea otters are your constant companions as your captain navigates from one ice face to another in Glacier Bay National Park. The unparalleled beauty will astound you while your knowledgeable guide shares the natural history of this glorious, unspoiled region of our planet. As you view North America’s natural artistry, you will have access to nature as it has existed for thousands of years. Imagine floating among Ice Age icebergs or watching humpback whales play in waters where they have come to feed for hundreds of years.
All along Alaska’s Inside Passage, your small ship brings you to places of discovery and natural wonder. Cruise through Tracy Arm, a glacier-carved fjord formed11,000 years ago, and considered one of Alaska’s most spectacular sites. Here your captain brings you up close for the perfect vantage point to view the fjord’s dazzling, glistening waterfalls. Lush coastal forests, reached by your private launch, await further exploration. Or kayak the calm waters of hidden bays and immerse yourself in Alaska’s exquisite beauty. By the end of your journey we think you’ll agree that your small cruise ship transported you back in time, into the wild—and beyond your wildest dreams.
Day 1: Juneau, AK
Watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska as you begin your journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Experience the wonders of nature with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier. At its widest point, this glacier is an impressive half a mile wide, with ice about 1,000 feet deep. Soar to new heights in an enclosed gondola tramway from downtown Juneau to the top of Mount Roberts. From high above, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, the sea, and the mountains. Be sure to bring your camera!
Day 2: Glacier Bay, AK
The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains and abundant wildlife. A National Park Service Ranger will board the American Spirit for the day and provide a comprehensive interpretive program. In addition American Cruise Lines has made special arrangements to have a Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join us onboard who will share with you the fascinating human history of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.
Day 3: Icy Strait/Hoonah, AK
The experience of Icy Strait is a wondrous adventure. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to observe sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise in their natural habitat. Hoonah is a lively fishing town featuring the world’s largest Tlingit village. Discover how to read a pair of Tlingit totem poles and learn about the feats of local fishermen. With endless possibilities, you can stay as active as you want or simply soak up the sights and sounds of this novel destination.
Day 4: Haines, AK
Watch for eagles, hawks, bears, and other wildlife on a spectacular river float trip. Begin your adventure with a ride up the Alaska Highway and into the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The eagle preserve boasts the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world. Often moose are spotted crossing the river or feeding in the ponds of the valley.
Day 5: Skagway, AK
Often called the "Gateway to the Yukon" since the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, Skagway offers breathtaking views during your tour of the National Park Historic District.
Day 6: Petersburg, AK
Petersburg is a thriving fishing community with a strong Norwegian heritage. While roaming the streets of Petersburg, you’ll find artistic designs stamped into the concrete sidewalks, and Rosemaling (Norwegian toll-painting) on the fronts of retail stores and residences. Enjoy fresh local seafood or visit many of the art galleries located in downtown Petersburg. Explore Mitkof Island, home to the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
Day 7: Tracy Arm, AK/Dawes Glacier*
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer, 1,500-foot-high vertical cliffs and experience the awe and wonder of nature. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the sides of this fjord, creating a majestic atmosphere. Observe and admire seals in their natural habitat among small icebergs surrounding Dawes Glacier. You are sure to feel humbled in the midst of this tranquil scenery, as this glacier is nearly a mile wide and stands approximately 20 stories high. * Passengers will visit either Tracy Arm or Dawes Glacier depending on ice flow.
Day 8: Juneau, AK
Welcome back to Juneau! Juneau's stunning natural landscape has inspired many artists, whose works of art are displayed throughout the city. As your adventure through Alaska’s Inside Passage nears its end, be sure to visit Juneau’s downtown district to explore the nature inspired art galleries and to do some shopping. This historic district is just a short walk from the waterfront.
Your onboard experience is as important as your onshore experience, so we take special care in providing the best in service, accommodations, entertainment, dining, all in an elegant yet comfortable environment. The all-American crew is there to see to all your needs, with the goal of providing you with the most memorable adventure possible.
Onboard Activities
Not only do we provide unique ports on our cruises, but unique entertainment as well. Activities are designed to highlight the areas in which we visit, including guest lecturers, local musicians, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances and games. From a performance by a fife and drum corps on Chesapeake Bay to a visit from a local lobsterman in Maine or a visit from costumed antebellum characters in the historic south, activities are as rich in history and culture as the ports themselves. Unlike the mega ships, you won’t find glitzy shows or casinos; instead we offer a refreshingly casual atmosphere, with an intimate ambience that is perfect for congenial camaraderie with fellow passengers and quiet relaxation. Open decks and glassed-in observation lounges allow for the watching of passing scenery and wildlife, while a well-stocked library provides reading material and videos focusing on the areas to be visited.
Onboard Experts
In order to enhance your cruise experience we invite carefully selected experts to join us on board. Through informal lectures, open discussions and activities, they bring local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. These enlighteners, naturalists and historians also lead shore excursions while in port, to give our guests behind the scenes tours of some of American’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures. Not only will you find knowledge in these experts, but a friend as well. Onboard activities and entertainment are included in your cruise fare.
Dining Experience
We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Expect exceptional cuisine prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The all-American crew offers an outstanding level of service to make the most discerning passenger’s journey memorable and relaxing. Dining onboard is informal, dress is resort casual, and seating is unassigned and served in the glass-enclosed dining room, where every seat offers a panoramic view. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Each evening before dinner, passengers are invited to mingle and share their day’s adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Cruise Into History
